Garment labeling system, equipment and method and elastomeric label for use therewith

ABSTRACT

A demand actuated system for automatically feeding, printing, cutting and applying a garment label composed of a strip of two layer laminated thermoplastic, elastomeric, preferably, polyurethane, film includes a printer and a bonder arranged for conjoint operation. The printer prints computer controlled images, by means of a thermal ink transfer ribbon, directly onto a layer of higher melting point resin and the bonder fusion bonds the other layer, of lower melting point resin, to the garment piece substantially without distortion of the imprinted image. A special two layer thermoplastic elastomeric label film is provided for use in the system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a demand actuated system, equipment andmethod for automatically feeding, printing, cutting and applying garmentlabels, and a novel thermoplastic elastomeric, preferably polyurethane,label material cooperating therewith.

Prior to the invention, there has not existed in the apparel market abar-code readable, variably imprintable label capable of withstandingboth home laundering and commercial laundering and dry cleaning, whichcould be automatically, under the control of a pre-programmedcomputer/controller, fusion bonded to a garment piece. The principalmeans of imaging and affixing of labels has been impact hot stamping toimprint the image followed by sewing. Various prior art devices areidentified and discussed below.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,111,216 discloses a manually operated thermal transferdevice for transferring data from a database to a strip ofadhesive-backed tape by thermal transfer from a transfer ribbonassociated with the print head of a computer-controlled printer. Theprinted portion of the tape is then manually advanced and severed, andapplied to a selected substrate at another location.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,114,667 discloses a two-station garment marking machinein which a label is printed at a printing station and then applied to agarment by, for example, heat sealing at a label affixing station.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,616,086 discloses an automated label apparatus includingtape feeding means, printing means, cutting means and application means,with the tape feeding means being mounted to pivot or oscillate betweena printing station shown in FIG. 2 and a cutting and application stationshown in FIG. 1.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,199,728 discloses a label pressing machine for applyinga label comprising a facing having an underlying film of bondingmaterial adapted to adhere to a fabric under heat and pressure.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,816,211 discloses a method of making an embroideredemblem involving bonding by the use of polyurethanes.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,589,966 discloses a method of permanently identifyingtextile fabrics by marking with a dye resistant ink onto a tape and thenbonding a tape segment onto the garment. The tape may be prepared from avariety of materials, including polyurethanes.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,602,560 discloses apparatus for automatically removing athermoplastic type of label from a label storage magazine, positioningit accurately centered on a designated portion of an article andaffixing it thereto by the application of heat and pressure.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,129,130 discloses means for automatically removinglabels from a supply thereof, applying the labels to garments andsecuring them by high frequency heating.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,439,257 discloses a printer for printing labels whichare temporarily adhered in series to a web of backing paper. A labelholder is removably attached to the printer for receiving and rolling upthe printed composite label web. There is a label applier separate fromthe printer, which unrolls the composite web from the label holder anddelaminates the labels from the backing paper web and then applies thedelaminated labels to garments.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,230,765 discloses an automated labeling apparatus whichcan apply identifying labels directly onto a sheet of cloth prior tocutting the cloth into garment pieces.

Whatever the apparent merits or demerits of various prior art equipmentrespecting the performance of the basic function of applying variablyprintable labels to garments, presently the apparel industry is notusing any of the prior art techniques for the applying, by heat sealing,and the like, of labels to garments, except, possibly, in relativelyisolated instances. The apparel industry is, by and large, sewing labelsinto garments.

In the printing of labels according to certain of the prior arttechniques, labels are conventionally presented to the print head in theform of spaced die-cut label stock adhesively attached to a carrier web.The web is fed at a controlled rate across the print head by means of amotor driven roller which serves to pinch the web of labels and atransfer foil against the print head with the print line beingtangentially aligned with the roller. The label web is advanced byfriction between the roller and the back surface of the web to provide apositive controlled drive of the web. The transfer foil, which travelswith the web, acts as a sliding bearing surface against the smoothcontact face of the print head.

Dispensing of the printed label from the web is accomplished by sharplychanging the direction of travel of the web by passing the web over asharp edge known as a peeler bar. Upon leaving the web, the label isconventionally transferred by air jet to an applicator head on which itis held by vacuum. The applicator head is then moved into engagementwith the product to be labelled which typically is passing thereby on aconveyor.

Pressure sensitive adhesive is frequently used in prior art labelling,particularly with respect to the labelling of paper, or cardboard boxes,or other containers having a surface to which typical pressure sensitiveadhesives successfully adhere. However, the use of pressure sensitiveadhesives does not produce satisfactory results in connection with thelabelling of garment pieces, because the pressure sensitive adhesives donot adhere sufficiently strongly to the garment pieces in order toperform the intended function of the labelling associated with garments.Such labelling must be capable of successfully withstanding repeatedhome or commercial laundering or dry cleaning. It is because of suchfactors that the apparel industry today is still approaching thelabelling of garment pieces by, essentially, preparing separate orseparable labels, which are accumulated for storage, and then retrieved,usually at another location, and sewn into the garment pieces.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a system, equipment and method, together with aspecial film of thermoplastic elastomeric synthetic resin, preferablypolyurethane, label material, for direct application of printed imagesonto the label material, followed by direct application of the labelmaterial to the garment pieces, without the use of an intermediate web,or tape, of backing material to support and transport labels from oneplace to another, and without the accumulation and storage of printedlabels. Thus, the invention provides for direct in-line use of a printerand a bonder, under the control of a pre-programmed computer/controller,together with a special label material film composed of two layers ofthermoplastic, elastomeric material, preferably polyurethane, one layerbeing of a higher melting point thermoplastic particularly selected andadapted to have the label information imprinted thereon, and a secondlayer of a different thermoplastic, of lower melting point, which isparticularly selected and adapted to serve the function of fusionbonding the layer having the imprinting thereon onto the garment pieceto be labeled, substantially without distortion of the printed image.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a system tolabel garments with a permanently bonded plastic film material whosevariably printable data, preferably bar-code readable, provides theconsumer care and content information, as well as the garmentmanufacturers' and vendors' process data information, the label beingcapable of enduring, repeatedly, a wide variety of commercial and homelaundering conditions and processes.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a system forintegrating the operations of (a) a printer, capable of running withwhat is sometimes referred to herein as "notchless" stock, meaning acontinuous film of actual label material, without interruptions ornotches therein separating or semi-separating the material intoindividual labels, and without the use of any supplementary or backingweb, and (b) a thermal bonder unit, capable of applying the labels, asthey are imprinted, by fusion bonding directly to the garment pieces tobe labeled, substantially without distortion of the printed image.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a label film,preferably in roll form, consisting of two thermoplastic layers,preferably polyurethane, a high melting layer particularly well suitedfor carrying imprinting, and a low melting layer particularly wellsuited to serving as a fusion bonding agent.

The labeling system and label material of the invention can eliminatemanufacturing steps which currently typically include handling,stacking, unstacking, and sewing of a label into a seam. It can alsoeliminate independent steps of printing, bundling and shipping to remoteplants for sewing.

A substantial saving of the time required to conclude a garment labelingstep is accomplished by the invention. Currently garment labeling,according to the prior art processes and using the prior art equipment,typically requires from 5 to 7 seconds to complete the labeling step. Byutilization of the invention, this time can be cut to an estimated 3seconds.

The system is responsive to two different commands from the operator.Starting from an at rest condition, for example when the system isturned on for a day's operation, the system is demand actuated, meaningthat the operator presses a "jog" button to initiate, under thepre-programmed control of a computer/controller, a cycle of feeding,printing and cutting a garment label. As the preparation of a label isperformed, the operator inserts a garment or garment piece onto a workplatform comprising a garment piece support and depresses dual (forreasons explained hereinafter) trip switches which initiate the labelapplication portion of the system, which in turn initiates another labelfeed, print and cut cycle of the label preparation portion of the systemto ready the next label for the next time that the operator againdepresses the dual trip switches.

The system of the invention operates with the inclusion of a thermal inktransfer ribbon, which transfer ribbon comes in roll form, as is wellknown by those skilled in this art.

An advantage of the system of the invention is the matter of operatingthe label printer under the control of a computerized controller, sothat a data stream can be sent to the controller where it is stored andretrieved and applied as needed in order to supply the variablyprintable data necessary in order to print labels for garments ofvarious sizes, colors, styles, material content, washing and cleaningrecommendations, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other objects and features of the invention will be morereadily understood from a consideration of the following detaileddescription, taken with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the system of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an end elevational view, of the left end of the equipmentshown in FIG. 1, this view being on a larger scale than FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, enlarged sectional view of a garment labelaccording to the invention after it is positioned on a garment piece,but before it is partially fused, the view being indicated by a dot/dashoval appearing on FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a sectional end elevation taken on the line 5--5 of FIG. 1,but on a larger scale as compared to FIG. 1, of the guillotine typecutting mechanism of the invention.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a typical imprinted label according to theinvention.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary exploded view of the encoder disc and the sensorof the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Turning to FIG. 1, the system of the invention incorporates a printer10, and a bonder 11, which are mounted together for conjoint operation.

The printer, mounted on a base 12, includes a housing 13 on whichvarious parts are mounted. A spool 14 of label film 15 is mounted forrotation on a support arm 16 extending from the housing 13. The arrow 40indicates the direction of travel of the label film from the supply reel14 into the printing mechanism of the printer 10. The film passes over arear film feed roller 17 and a platen roller 18 mounted opposite to theprint head 19, after which the film travels directly into a cuttingstation associated with the bonder mechanism 11. The print headbell-crank lever 20 is mounted for pivotal motion between a downposition shown in full lines in FIG. 1, in which the print head contactsthe label film, and an up position, indicated by the dash lines 21 inFIG. 1, in which the print head is out of contact with the label film.

The imprinting on a label film is accomplished by the use of thermal inktransfer ribbon which, by the application of heat and pressure by theprint head, selectively transfers thermal ink from the thermal inkribbon directly to the label film. Thermal transfer printing requiresthe precisely controlled feeding of the sheet being printed with respectto the print head heater elements known as the print line. Heat andpressure at the print line effect the transfer of resin-based ink fromthe ink transfer foil to the label surface.

A supply spool 22 of thermal ink transfer ribbon 23, traveling in thedirection indicated by the arrows 24, unreels from the spool 22 which ismounted by means of the shaft 25 onto the frame 13. The ribbon travelsbetween an upper ribbon deflector plate 26 and a lower ribbon deflectorplate 27 downwardly and in between the print head 19 and the platenroller 18, where it travels in surface to surface contact with the labelfilm 15 for the purpose of permitting an intelligence to be imprinted onthe label film by the action of the print head, under appropriate heatand pressure. The used or spent ribbon is separated from the label filmas it exits from the passage between the print head 19 and the platenroller 18, and the spent ribbon then travels upwardly and over theribbon feed roller 28, and an idler roller 29 to the ribbon take-upspool 30 mounted on the ribbon rewind shaft 31.

Web guide mechanism 34, which is adjustable by means of the web guideknob 36 and the locking knob 35 provides for precise lateral positioningof the label film 15 after it passes under the idler roller 37 on itsway into contact with the print head 19 and the platen roller 18.

The outer support frame 38 provides for the mounting onto the framework13 of the idler rollers 28 and 29, and print head lever 20, carrying theprint head 18 by means of print head mounting plate 39.

The film timing motor pulley 70, mounted on the shaft 71 of the timingmotor 72 (see FIG. 7) is interconnected by the timing belt 73 with thepulleys 74 and 75, mounted respectively on the shafts of the platenroller 18 and the rear roller 17. As best seen in the exploded view ofFIG. 7, the encoder disc 76, having darkened spaced segments 77 thereon,is mounted on the shaft 78 of the pulley 74, which is mounted forconjoint movement with the platen roller 18.

The printed circuit board 79 is mounted by means of bracket 80 to theframe 13 of the printer. A sensor 81 having a sensor source 82 is underthe control of the printed circuit board 79, which in turn is connectedby means of the electrical connections 83 with the computerizedcontroller (not shown) for the unit. The light source 82 looks at theencoder disc. The label length is input from the pre-programmed formatas part of the data stream from the computer/controller, and when thelast line of the format has been printed, the pre-programmed controllogic opens to look for a feed signal. The signal comes from the nextdarkened segment 77 on the encoder disc, which is read by the sensorlight 82 and transmits a signal to stop the feed.

Directing attention to FIG. 6, the label 90 of the invention includes anumber of different kinds of information, including a bar-code-readablesection 84. The phrase "bar-code-readable" has special significance andmeaning in the context of this specification. The use of bar codes onproducts is rapidly becoming more and more widespread. The bar codes are"read" by a pick-up device, associated with a computer, for multiplepurposes, including inventory control, and customer check-out. The barcode must be imprinted with a special degree of precision in order to bequickly and accurately read by the reading device and, further, theprinted image must not be significantly distorted during the processingof the label as it is applied to the garment piece. Thus,"bar-code-readable" as used herein means that the bar code has therequisite precision, even after processing according to the system ofthe invention including the fusion bonding step, to enable the bar codeto be quickly and accurately read.

As seen in FIG. 4, the garment piece 57 is placed on the lower platen 56(see FIG. 3). The label 90 consists of an upper layer 85 of relativelyhigh melting point polyurethane, and a lower layer 86 of relatively lowmelting point polyurethane, the illustration of FIG. 4 being prior tothe application of heat and pressure to fusion bond the label to thegarment piece.

By "variably imprintable" is meant that the various different items ofinformation on a given label can be selected to properly identify thesize, style, color, etc., of the particular garment to which the labelis to be applied.

An opacity enhancing additive, such as a white pigment in powder form,is preferably added to the high melting polyurethane layer in an amountsufficient to substantially and materially enhance the opacity of thelabel. For example, by increasing the whiteness of the background, thecontrast between the background and black ink printing is increased,making the label clearer and more easily read.

The label film 15, following passage beneath the print head to receivethe printed indicia thereon, emerges from the printer 10 and passes intothe bonder 11.

The bonder 11 includes a bonder frame 41 on which is mounted a filmtransport and cutting unit 42 including a pair of nip rolls 43 and 44between which the film 15 passes. The nip rolls are driven by a steppermotor 66 coupled to the printer cycling circuit. The film passes fromthe nip rolls over a cutter block 45 and is cut into discrete labels 90(FIGS. 3 and 7) by a guillotine type cutter assembly 46 (FIGS. 1 and 5).As shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 5, the cutter assembly includes aknife 47, the sharpened lower edge 48 of which is angled so as toproduce a progressive shearing of the film 15 as the knife movesvertically downwardly adjacent the vertical face 49 of the cutting block45. A pair of solenoid type actuators 50 mounted on arm 51 support theblade 47 and selectively move the blade through its cutting cycle inresponse to appropriately timed electrical signals.

The severed labels 90 produced by the cutter assembly are advanced by aconveyor mechanism 52 which includes a drive roll 53 driven by a steppermotor 53g (FIG. 2) and horizontally spaced idler roll 54 (FIG. 1). Aplurality of O-rings 55 are stretched between the rolls 53 and 54 toreceive and advance the cut labels 90 to a position on the conveyormechanism from which they can be transferred selectively to a bondingstation for application to the items to be labeled.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 3, the bonder 11 includes a lower platen56 which is electrically heated to a desired controllable temperature.The fabric piece or item 57 to be labeled is positioned on the lowerplaten 56 and a label 90 is transferred from the conveyor 52 to theposition shown in FIG. 3 by a transfer mechanism to be presentlydescribed. An electrically heated upper platen 58 is selectivelyreciprocatable in a vertical direction, being supported for thisfunction by the support mechanism 59 which includes a pneumatic cylinder(not shown) at its upper end. The upper platen 58 is actuatable to movedownwardly to clamp the label 90 and fabric item 57 between the upperand lower platens by the actuation of a pair of spaced control switches60, in this instance, push-type switches, which, through appropriateelectrical and pneumatic circuitry, trigger the cycling of the cylindercontrolling the movement of the upper platen 58. Spaced switches 60 areemployed for actuating each cycle to insure that the operator's handsare both elsewhere when the upper platen descends.

Since, as previously indicated, the bonding process is dependent onseveral variables, namely the temperature of the upper and lowerplatens, the pressure applied during the bonding period, and the time ofthe bonding pressure application, each of these variables is adjustableand can be controlled and monitored by means of the switches andinstruments shown on the bonder control panel 61 (FIG. 1). Monitoringinstruments on the panel, although not specifically shown, wouldtypically include temperature gauges for both the upper and lowerplatens, as well as a pressure gauge to indicate the air pressure beingdelivered to the pneumatic cylinder.

When the label film is composed of the preferred polyurethanes, asdisclosed herein, the temperature of the upper platen is from about 350°F. to about 450° F., with a preferred temperature being about 400° F.and the temperature of the lower platen is from about 400° F. to about500° F., with a preferred temperature being about 450° F.

The pressure applied by the platens is from about 11 psi, correspondingto a line pressure in a pneumatic line of 13/4" diameter of about 50lbs., to about 28 psi, corresponding to a line pressure of about 120lbs., with a preferred pressure applied by the platens being about 18psi, corresponding to a line pressure of about 80 lbs.

A transfer mechanism 62 is provided for transferring labels from theconveyor mechanism 52 to the lower platen 56. The transfer mechanism 62includes a transfer arm 63 having a vacuum head 64 which is perforatedand connected through a suitable conduit (not shown) to a vacuum source.The transfer arm 62 is supported for horizontal rotation through an arcof 90° on a vertical rotatable support member 65, the rotation of whichis selectively controlled by a mechanism not shown. The vacuum head 64is preferably formed from a hard plastic material to minimize theformation of static electrical charges.

Means are provided for interrupting the vacuum drawn through the vacuumhead 64. With the vacuum off, the transfer arm is positioned as shown inFIG. 1 over the discharge end of the conveyor mechanism 52. When a labelhas advanced on the conveyor to a position beneath the vacuum head 64,the vacuum is switched on, and the label is drawn upwardly and held onthe lower surface of the vacuum head. When the operator has the item tobe labeled in the proper position on the lower platen 56 as shown inFIG. 3, the control switches 60 are both actuated to cycle the bondingcycle, which begins with the transfer arm 63 rotating to a positionwherein the vacuum head 64 is above the lower platen 56, at which timethe vacuum is interrupted and the label drops into the position shown inFIG. 3 on the item 57 to be labeled. The arm 63 then is rotated back toits starting position with the head 64 over the conveyor and, with thearm out of the way, the upper platen 58 descends, sandwiching the labeland fabric item between the upper and lower platens and applying heatand pressure to the label for a predetermined time period to thermallybond the label to the fabric piece. The upper platen 58 is thenretracted at the end of the predetermined period, and the labeled itemis withdrawn from the lower platen and the next item is then positionedthereon to begin the next cycle.

The entire bonding cycle lasts only a few seconds with the dwell time ofthe upper platen 58 against the lower platen 56 typically lasting onlyabout one second. The temperatures of the upper and lower platens areindependently adjustable and it is desirable to maintain the lowerplaten at a slightly higher temperature than the upper platen since theadhesive layer will flow towards the higher temperature surface. Thecorrect temperature balance for a given fabric item to be labeled mustbe found through trial and error since different fabrics will transferheat at different rates.

To prevent the label item from adhering to the upper platen when theupper platen is raised, a pair of spaced pins 67 extending downwardlyfrom bracket 68 are disposed at each side of the upper platen. Thebracket 68 and pins 67 are supported on post 69 which is selectivelyvertically movable independently of the upper platen movement by meansnot shown. When the upper platen descends and during the bondinginterval, the lower ends of the pins are at the same level as the upperplaten lower surface. When the upper platen ascends at the end of thebonding interval, however, the upward travel of the pins is delayedmomentarily and the pins thus serve to disengage the labeled items fromthe upper platen should it happen to adhere thereto.

The label film is composed of two discrete layers, which are adhered toeach other, one layer being specifically selected because of its abilityto bear imprinting, substantially without distortion, during theprocessing within the system of the invention, and the other layer beingspecifically selected because of its superior performance as an adhesivein the fusion bonding process according to the invention. Both layersmust be able to withstand repeated exposure to laundering processes,detergent and other substances used during home or commerciallaundering, and, as well, to withstand repeated exposure to drycleaning. Both layers are composed of elastomers which arethermoplastic, compatible with each other and with the garment piece towhich they are to be attached, soft, pliable, exhibit good lowtemperature flexibility and have relatively high abrasion resistance. By"soft" is meant soft to the touch, not sharp or jagged. If a label isplaced on a garment in a position in which the label comes in contactwith the skin of the wearer, such as inside the collar of a shirt, a"soft" label is one which does not feel uncomfortable to the wearer, onewhich does not tend to prick the neck of the wearer, or cause the wearerdiscomfort. "Pliable" means that the label is supple, that is, itconforms readily and easily to the folds or curved configurations towhich a garment is subjected by its wearer, both during use and when notin use. "Low temperature flexibility" means that the label maintains itsposition on the garment and continues to perform the intended functionof a label, even if the wearer of the garment is exposed to severe, evenextreme, cold, such as, minus 20° F. or minus 30° F.

The essential characteristics of the materials of the layers, accordingto the invention, are as follows.

For the under layer, or adhesive layer, the essential characteristicsare washability, softness, dry cleanability, low temperatureflexibility, good adhesion to fabrics, and low melt point. For the upperlayer, or the layer to be imprinted, the essential characteristics areabrasion resistance, dry cleanability, washability, high melt point, lowtemperature flexibility, and good printability.

Both of the layers of thermoplastic resin are relatively thin, being inthe range of from about 0.001 to about 0.003 inches thick. The firstlayer of relatively high melting point polyurethane is preferably about0.002 inches thick, and the second, or adhesive, layer of relatively lowmelting point polyurethane is preferably about 0.001 inches thick.

The label film layers are preferably polyurethane, but other suitablesynthetic resins such as polyester resin may be blended into, or used inplace of, one of the layers, particularly the upper or imprinted layer.Adding polyester resin tends to increase the stiffness, or decrease thesoftness, of the resulting label, which may be a desirable result forcertain applications.

Polyurethane films suitable for use with the invention can be producedas either polyester or polyether based materials, with the polyesterbased being preferred.

They are preferably produced in wide film form by extrusion, preferablyonto a release carrier strip, of paper or the like, which temporarilysupports the extrudate until it cools and becomes self-sustaining,either in two passes or in one dual extrusion pass, as will beunderstood by those skilled in the art of film extrusion.

For the layer to be used to receive the imprinting, it is preferred touse relatively high melting point material, that is, material having amelting point of from about 355° to 365° F. A suitable and preferredmaterial is a polyurethane film identified as Product U-840 byElectro-Seal Corp., 55 Wanaque Avenue, Pompton Lakes, N.J. 07442. Forthe adhesive layer it is preferred to use a low melting point material,preferably a material having a melting point of from about 275° to about290° F. A suitable and preferred material is polyurethane filmidentified as Product U-810, by the same Electro-Seal Corp., one of thejoint owners of the present application. Electro-Seal Corp. sells theU-810 material and the U-840 material adhered to each other as ProductLT200. Physical properties of U-840 and U-810 are given in Table 1.

                  TABLE 1    ______________________________________                  U-810        U-840                  Under Layer (The                               Upper Layer (The    Properties    Adhesive Layer)                               Layer to be Imprinted)    ______________________________________    Melt Point    275-290° F.                               355-365° F.    Melt Index (ASTM Test                  45-55 gm/10 mins.                               5-15 gm/10 mins.    Method D-1238)    Color         Clear with slight                               Clear                  amber tint    Shore Hardness A (ASTM                  80A          95A    Test Method D-1240)    Wash and Dry Resistance                  Excellent    Excellent    Dry Cleaning Resistance                  Excellent    Excellent    ______________________________________

What is claimed is:
 1. A bar-code-readable, garment label bearing avariably imprintable electronically generated imprinted image, saidlabel being soft and pliable and being capable of withstanding repeatedcommercial and home laundering and consisting essentially of two layersof thermoplastic polyurethane, a first layer and a second layer, in faceto face surface contact with each other and the second said layer beingfusion bonded to the fabric of a garment piece while the label remainsbar-code-readable, the first of said layers comprising polyurethanehaving a melting point substantially higher than that of the second ofsaid layers, the second of said layers of the label being fusion bondedby heat and pressure to the garment piece with the said second of saidlayers facing the fabric of the garment piece, and the first of saidlayers bearing said imprinted image transferred thereonto, under thecontrol of a pre-programmed computerized controller, according to a datastream applied so as to supply the variably imprintable data necessaryto print labels for garments of various sizes, colors, styles, materialcontent, washing and cleaning recommendations, and other indicia, from athermal ink transfer medium by the application of heat and pressureprior to the bonding of said second layer to the garment piece, both ofsaid layers remaining soft and pliable after said bonding.
 2. A labelaccording to claim 1 in which said first layer of relatively highmelting point polyurethane consists of a layer of polyurethane having amelting point in the range of from about 355° F. to about 365° F., andin which said second layer of relatively low melting point polyurethaneconsists of a layer of polyurethane having a melting point in the rangeof from about 275° F. to about 290° F.
 3. A label according to claim 2in which said first layer of relatively high melting point polyurethaneis about 0.002 inches thick and said second layer of relatively lowmelting point polyurethane is about 0.001 inches thick.
 4. A labelaccording to claim 3 in which at least said first layer comprises anopacity enhancing additive in sufficient amount to substantially andmaterially enhance the opacity of the label.
 5. A bar-code-readable,garment label bearing a variably imprintable electronically generatedimprinted image, said label being soft and pliable and being capable ofwithstanding repeated commercial and home laundering and dry cleaningand consisting essentially of two layers of thermoplastic elastomericsynthetic resin, a first layer and a second layer, the second layerbeing fusion bonded to the fabric of a garment piece while the labelremains bar-code-readable, the first of said layers comprising resinhaving a melting point substantially higher than that of the second ofsaid layers, the first of said layers bearing said imprinted imagetransferred thereonto, under the control of a pre-programmedcomputerized controller, according to a data stream applied so as tosupply the variably imprintable data necessary to print labels forgarments of various sizes, colors, styles, material content, washing andcleaning recommendations, and other indicia, from a thermal ink transfermedium by a first application of heat and pressure for a first duration,the second of said layers of the label being fusion bonded to thegarment piece with the said second of said layers facing the fabric ofthe garment piece by a second application of heat and pressure for asecond duration, both of said layers remaining soft and pliable aftersaid bonding.
 6. A label according to claim 5 in which the first andsecond layers of resin comprise polyurethane resins, and in which thesecond application of heat is in the range of from about 350° F. toabout 500° F., the second application of pressure is from about 50 psito about 100 psi and the second duration is from about 1/2 sec. to about2 secs.
 7. A label according to claim 6 in which the first applicationof heat and pressure is for a duration less than that required to heateither of the polyurethane layers above its melting point, and thesecond application of heat and pressure is for a duration sufficient toheat the second of said layers to a temperature above its melting point,but less than that required to heat the first of said layers to atemperature at which the imprinted image will be so distorted as to nolonger be bar-code-readable.